CELTIC may be holding Scottish football in a double nelson at the moment but Paul Elliott, the former defender with the east end giants, is urging caution ahead of the Ibrox showdown tomorrow.

The big Englishman arrived at Celtic from Italian Serie A side Pisa back in 1989 during a period when big-spending Rangers were beginning to exert their authority on the domestic scene and Celtic were the ones playing catch up.

It was the start of the nine-in-a-row era for Rangers but Elliott never once had an inferiority complex in Old Firm encounters. It was hardly surprising, of course.

“When you’ve played against Maradona and Van Basten in Serie A, you can deal with it,” he said with a smile.

Elliott will be rooting for the Hoops again this weekend but the former Luton, Aston Villa and Chelsea defender admits Rangers could benefit from adopting a similar attitude he did when underdogs during his time at Celtic.

He said: “Rangers were the leading side back then, no question. 

“But look at the record books and Celtic actually did quite well against Rangers in games. 

“Our record was quite good so I don’t think there was any complex. 

“Celtic have had a great period but Brendan will know there is no room for complacency. 

“Rangers will compete and are capable of getting a result."

Elliott still harbours a deep fondness for Celtic, as well as a well-kent Chinese restaurant in the city centre. 

“Coming to Celtic was one of the best moves of my career,” he said.